Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) Preview- Findlay Trojans

Findlay comes into the 2021 season with some wind in their sails after having a fantastic 2020 season. You can’t mention Findlay without mentioning Power five recruit [player_tooltip player_id="34499" first="Luke" last="Montgomery"]. Luke can become one of the best two-way players in the region since Central Catholic Alum and current Cleveland Browns OT James Hudson III. Over the past decade, the Trojans have been known as a team that will hurt you in the passing game, but this is what Coach Stefan Adams wants to change. The Trojans have been a middle-of-the-road football team, but this year they’re looking to make the jump into the upper echelon of the TRAC. If Findlay wants to compete at a higher level, they will have to build a good culture around family and the run game. I spoke with coach Adams for a little of an hour, and he provided some good insight on the 2021 Trojans football team. Here’s a detailed synopsis of the 2021 Trojan’s football team. &nbsp; Findlay Trojans <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Head Coach:  Stefan Adams (1st Season)</li> <li>2020 Record: 3-2</li> </ul> QBs: The QB room at Findlay is deep, and they have one of the best young prospects in the country, Ryan Montgomery, class of 2025. The returning starter from 2020 Max Roth, class of 2022, is an impact player for this team and proved it last fall in a big way. To thicken the plot, they also have a pair of young guns who will also compete for the job; Brady Allen 2023 and Brody Barnes 2024. Coach Adams is embracing the competition at the QB spot, and having talent and depth only helps the team as a whole. &nbsp; RBs: Coach Adams is a former RB himself, so he takes pride and getting the ground and pound game going at Findlay. What will help the Trojans achieve that goal is the two backs that have put in the work this offseason, and both are competing well. [player_tooltip player_id="91584" first="Issac" last="James"] ’22 and Alex Theis ’22 will be both touch the rock early and often for the Trojans in 2021. Coach is excited to see how [player_tooltip player_id="91584" first="Issac" last="James"] continue to develop as he was 2nd team ALL-TRAC in 2020. Theis will be expected to have a breakout season as he is one of the true leaders on the football team in the weight room and on the field. &nbsp; WRs: The WR corps is led by Senior Leader [player_tooltip player_id="34414" first="Ben" last="Ireland"], but he does it humbly. Ireland may be the name that stands out, but he is a true team player and wants to win. This group did well in 2020 with the leadership of Max Roth at the QB<span id="more-173039"></span> position. Players to watch that will catch passes this season for the Trojans; Justin Roth ’22, Sam Weihrauch ’22, Terrion Ross ’22, Brayden Layne ’22, and Dallas De La Cruz, ’23. "Expect speed and excitement," out of the 2021 WRs said, coach Adams. &nbsp; OL: Speed kills but size matters; Findlay has a combination of both upfront in 2021. This could potentially be one of the best O-L<span style="font-size: 1rem;">ines in the state, and [player_tooltip player_id="34499" first="Luke" last="Montgomery"] ’23 will anchor this crew. The tackles for the Trojans are both standing tall at 6’8 and 6’7, respectfully; </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="124772" first="Matthew" last="Searls"] ’22 and Razik Crutcher ’22. You have the 5-star prospect in [player_tooltip player_id="34499" first="Luke" last="Montgomery"] on the interior, who can play anywhere the team needs but will see time at TE, T, and G. Some of the other key players will be <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13002263">Caleb McCaskey</a> ’22, Hunter Marquis, ’23, and JJ Benjamin ’23. Coach Adams understands that he has a tough group up front and wants to bring back that "Nasty" mentality. </span> &nbsp; <div class="css-1dbjc4n r-18u37iz r-1wbh5a2">The Defense:</div> <div></div> <div> The Trojan’s defense played with their hair on fire in 2020, and the same intensity can be expected in 2021, says coach Adams. Looking at the film, this team has its strength in the secondary and with the linebackers unit. Key players to watch are Terrion Ross, Kam Stagnolia, Brayden Layne, Sam Weihrauch, Justin Roth. The Defensive line will again feature [player_tooltip player_id="34499" first="Luke" last="Montgomery"] along with Nate Riegle and Tyler Treft. This unit is still developing, and coach Adams said plenty of fringe players would compete for playing time this August. Trace Robinson will be back kicking in 2021 and is looking to have another solid season at his position.</div> <div></div> <div>Final thoughts -</div> <div></div> <div> Coach Adam’s main focus this season is to "Set the Culture." He understands he is the 3rd head coach that Trojans have experienced in three years, and it’s essential to get his guys to buy-in. The Trojans open up out of conference games with Anthony Wayne week one at home and on the road week two at Perrysburg, while week three, they will take on Bowling Green at home before they head into conference play.</div>